The Dutch government is expected to announce later today that it will allow restaurants, bars and theatres to re-open, despite record numbers of coronavirus infections. Prime Minister Mark Rutte and Health Minister Ernst Kuipers are expected to announce the new rules at a news conference at 7pm.

Late last night, the government released official advice of health experts and local government officials who support the end of a strict lockdown that has been in effect since mid-December.

Reuters note that despite record infections, the experts said the Omicron variant of the coronavirus, which is now dominant in the Netherlands, “has a less serious clinical picture” than the Delta variant, which caused an earlier wave.

Foreign studies show hospital admissions with Omicron are between 40% and 60% lower, while intensive care admissions halved, they said.

Government advisers said bars, restaurants and theatres should be allowed to open until 10pm.